Arunachal scripting new growth story with focus on industry, startups: Khandu

Arunachal Pradesh is charting a bold new growth trajectory anchored in innovation, investments, and entrepreneurship. Chief Minister Pema Khandu outlined a series of initiatives designed to transform the state into a hub for industry and startups, signaling a decisive shift toward inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Industrial push with a clear policy framework

At the heart of the state’s renewed economic strategy is the Industrial Development & Investment Policy 2025. Envisioned as the foundational framework for the next phase of growth, the policy aims to attract large-scale investments, streamline regulations, and build a business-friendly environment that encourages both domestic and external investors.

According to the government’s plan, projects worth Rs 809 crore are already in the pipeline. These span key sectors such as food processing, steel, and bamboo-based industries—areas with strong local potential and opportunities for value addition.

Infrastructure for enterprise

Arunachal Pradesh is strengthening its industrial base with a network of facilities designed to support diverse enterprises. The state currently hosts:

• 15 industrial estates,
• 1 growth centre, and
• 1 integrated development centre

Together, these assets cover more than 736 acres, providing the groundwork for manufacturing, processing, and allied services to take root and expand.

MSME surge across priority sectors

The surge in micro, small and medium enterprises reflects the momentum on the ground. A total of 21,982 MSMEs are now active across Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in food processing, textiles, and hospitality. This growth points to increasing grassroots entrepreneurship, rising local value chains, and a broadening base of employment and income opportunities.

Startup ecosystem gains speed

The state’s startup push is being anchored by the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park, which is nurturing around 50 startups every year. The ecosystem has shown remarkable traction:

• 106 startups were incubated between 2021 and 2024.
• The year 2025 alone has attracted 512 applications for incubation, highlighting growing interest among young entrepreneurs.

This pipeline reflects confidence in the state’s support mechanisms and the appetite of the youth to innovate, build, and scale.

Empowering youth and women entrepreneurs

Inclusive growth remains a central priority. Through the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana (DDUSY), over Rs 488 crore has been deployed to support 2,648 entrepreneurs across a range of sectors. The program has been instrumental in improving access to capital and mentoring, particularly for youth and women-led enterprises.

Jobs and self-employment through the SEE Trinity

To align skills with opportunities, the government is advancing the SEE Trinity—Skill, Employment, and Entrepreneurship. Under this framework, more than 25,000 jobs and self-employment opportunities are expected to be created over the next five years, linking training initiatives with market-ready ventures and enterprises.

Outlook

With focused policy reforms, major investments, robust industrial infrastructure, and a thriving startup culture, Arunachal Pradesh is moving from the periphery to the mainstream of economic growth. The state’s leadership has emphasized that this is just the beginning of a new chapter—one that aims to deliver prosperity through enterprise, innovation, and inclusive development.